7 top dog walks in Kent

Kent: the Garden of England, and a playground for dogs and their adventurous owners! There are oodles of dog walks in Kent, taking in the splendid scenery and dramatic coast. Meander through vast fields with undulating hills rolling out before you, stroll around the grounds of stately homes and castles, and enjoy rambles along clifftop trails.

Popular locations include Knowle Park where your dog can revel in the open spaces, and the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, offering breathtaking sea views. Bedgebury Pinetum and Blean Woods are also ideal for forest walks, providing both tranquillity and wildlife sightings. What's more, there are plenty of dog-friendly pubs in Kent for a rewarding meal after your walk, and dog-friendly Kent attractions to add to your itinerary.

We’ve picked out some of the best dog walks in Kent to help you notch up some memorable walkies on your holiday with your four-pawed friend. If you’re still looking for somewhere to stay, our dog-friendly cottages in Kent offer the perfect base to rest weary paws between walks, and don't forget to check out our Canine guide to Kent for more inspiration.

Skip to:

Frequently asked questions

There’s so much to see and do in Kent, and much of it is suitable for your four-pawed pals to enjoy by your side. We’ve answered your frequently asked questions below to help make sure that your Kent-based adventures with your dog run smoothly.

Edenbridge to Chiddingstone

Discover the High Weald National Landscape on one of the best long dog walks in Kent, particularly if you have a penchant for castles and countryside trails!

The linear route from Edenbridge to Chiddingstone takes in the farmland that surrounds the peaceful River Eden, skirting around the grounds of Hever Castle, a 13th-century fortification, once home to Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s ill-fated second wife. The 150-acre grounds of the castle are dog friendly, so you might like to take a detour to explore or grab a bite to eat outside the Moat Restaurant or Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant.

The walk ends in the pretty village of Chiddingstone, with its beautifully preserved Tudor buildings, distinctive outcrop of stone (the Chiding Stone), and charming Tulip Tree Tea Room.

Dunorlan Park

The Victorian garden, meadows and wildlife at Dunorlan Park make it a lovely place to take a stroll with Fido – perfect if you’re looking for nice dog walks in Kent. Once the private grounds of a decadent mansion, the space was designed by Victorian gardener Robert Marnock in the 1850s and 1860s and has been the subject of a restoration which has preserved it for modern visitors.

A pleasant 1-mile circular trail around the lake is perfect for morning walkies, with the promise of a coffee at the park cafe, where dogs are allowed outside. If you have family in tow, why not hire a boat on the lake – well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you! There’s also an adventure play area, and specially made platforms for pond dipping.

Dogs must be kept on leads while in the formal areas of the park, but are welcome to run free in the meadow areas, events field and Victoria Cross Grove area, if kept under control.

Teston River walk

Pretty Teston Bridge is made of Kentish ragstone and is thought to date back to the 15^th century. It is a highlight on this delightful walk which passes through the eponymous Teston Bridge Country Park, taking in a variety of tranquil landscapes and affording views of the Medway Valley. Dogs will love lolloping along the Teston River walk, but must be kept on a lead through farmland due to livestock.

The bridge itself has been the subject of restoration over the years, with the central arch being rebuilt at the end of the 18^th century, and three of its other arches reconstructed in 1830. Restoration was picked up again in 1978 when the whole bridge was brought back to life.

As you ramble with Fido through open grassland and along the riverside path, keep an eye out for kingfishers and common tern, swapping your attentions in the evening to watch for barn owls and bats.

Hollingbourne Circular

Stretch your legs on the Hollingbourne Circular, a countryside walk with glorious bucolic views across the Kent Downs National Landscape. Traversing farmland and meandering through woodland, you and your four-legged friend can embrace the beautiful scenery and spot multifarious wildlife.

The views are a highlight of this route; green and far-reaching, with undulating hills – you’ll feel far from the hustle and bustle of the towns and cities. You’ll need walking boots to conquer the muddy sections, but the rewards outweigh the inconvenience.

There are a few small stiles; no trouble for nimble dogs and their humans, but they may cause issues for the less mobile. Don’t let the hill at the beginning put you off!

Minnis Bay to Reculver Country Park

If you’re looking for coastal dog walks in Kent, the Minnis Bay to Reculver Country Park linear route should be up there at the top of your list. The stile-free trail is flat and accessible for buggies and pushchairs, making it a popular choice for families and their four-legged friends.

Passing by the dramatic towers of Reculver (the remains of a monastic church) and following the Viking Coastal Trail along the sea wall, there’s much to be seen on this walk, not least an array of coastal birds.

Don’t miss a stop at the Reculver Visitor Centre to find out about the local history, and pack a picnic to enjoy in the grounds of Reculver, an English Heritage Site. Being a linear walk, you’ll have to retrace your steps to return, or opt for public transport (dogs are welcome on Stagecoach buses, at the driver’s discretion).

Ham Street Woods National Nature Reserve

If you’re looking for woodland dog walks in Kent, Ham Street Woods (part of Orlestone Forest, an ancient oak forest that once sprawled across the Weald) is a good destination. Put your best foot (or paw) forward and strike out through the pretty woodland which is criss-crossed by bridleways, footpaths and trails, with three waymarked circular routes.

The quiet and peaceful site has little in the way of visitor facilities, but there are information panels which tell of the fascinating array of flora and fauna to be found within the leafy habitat, including rare moths and birds.

Spring is a wonderful time of year to visit, when the woodland floor is covered in carpets of primroses, bluebells and white wood anemones.

White Cliffs of Dover woodland walk

Kent’s most iconic landmark, the White Cliffs of Dover, is surely worth adding to your Kent dog-walking itinerary? Amble along the coast with your pet by your side, taking in the spectacular views overlooking the English Channel, with the route incorporating some of the Saxon Shore Way, and offering the opportunity to explore via other paths and military tracks. On clear days, you can see all the way across to France.

There are numerous highlights on this walk, not least the White Cliffs themselves. Other places of note to keep an eye out for are South Foreland Lighthouse, and Fan Bay Deep Shelter – a network of tunnels which once provided shelter to soldiers working in the gun battery above (please note, an additional charge applies to visit the tunnels, and only assistance dogs are allowed).

The White Cliffs of Dover circular walk takes in all these sights and more, starting at the White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre where you’ll be able to learn about the history and geography of the area.

Dungeness and Romney Marsh walk

Stretch two legs and four on the unique Dungeness and Romney Marsh walk through what can truly be compared to an alien landscape, protruding from the Kent coast. Dungeness is a desolate, yet extraordinary corner of the UK; a vast swathe of shingle, permeated with hardy sprigs of sea kale and the goliath shapes of the former nuclear power station and the Dungeness lighthouses.  

Walk beyond the shingle and through the RSPB reserve marshland, making your way towards the sea and along the dog-friendly beach. Your canine pal is sure to enjoy the freedom afforded by the great expanse of sky meeting the great expanse of land, which merges into the great expanse of sea.

While walking on the shingle might be a test for your calves, we’re sure your dog will be bounding around, making the most of the fresh sea air. At the end of the walk, a section of boardwalk provides a welcome respite from the looser terrain.

Map of dog walks in Kent

Locate the dog walks in Kent above on our handy map.

<

Find a dog-friendly cottage in Kent

Our dog-friendly accommodation in Kent will have your pup wagging their tail in anticipation of their next holiday! Comfortable, cosy and clean, our dog-friendly Kent cottages welcome all pack sizes, from two humans and their four-legged friend to a multi-generational family and their handful of hounds. Have a browse of our Kent dog-friendly holiday cottages by clicking the button below.